Microbrewery

Microbrewery

Industry	Brewing
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Craft beers, Ale, Lager

A microbrewery is a brewery that produces small amounts of beer, typically much smaller than large-scale corporate breweries, and is often independently owned. Such breweries are generally characterized by their emphasis on quality, flavor, and brewing technique.

History

The term "microbrewery" originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s to describe the new generation of small breweries that focused on producing traditional cask ale. During the 1980s, the concept caught on in the United States, and the American microbrewery movement began. This movement was a reaction against the consolidation and mass-production practices of major breweries, and it emphasized artisanal and unique brewing methods and flavors.

Characteristics

Microbreweries have a number of distinctive characteristics:

• Production: Microbreweries produce a limited amount of beer, typically no more than 15,000 barrels (1.8 million liters) per year.
• Independence: They are often independently owned, and the brewer has a significant stake in the quality and uniqueness of the products.
• Techniques: Many microbreweries focus on traditional brewing methods, including handcrafting and customizing their beer batches.
• Flavors: They often emphasize distinctive and innovative flavors, experimenting with different types of malt, hops, and yeast.

Business Model

Microbreweries often focus on local markets, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and local identity. Many operate taprooms or pubs where customers can sample beers directly at the brewery, which provides additional revenue streams and marketing opportunities. Some microbreweries distribute their products regionally or nationally, often through specialty stores or through craft beer festivals.

Regulations

Microbreweries face various regulations which can vary significantly depending on the country. These regulations may include licensing requirements, alcohol taxes, and restrictions on where and how beer can be sold.

Impact

The rise of microbreweries has had a significant impact on the beer industry, contributing to a culture of craft brewing that values diversity, quality, and local production. This movement has also influenced larger breweries, prompting them to create their own craft-style beers and to acquire successful microbreweries.

See Also

• Craft beer
• Brewpub
• List of microbreweries